Garden pinks
Dianthus caryophyllus
Also called Pinks, Carnation, Clove pink and Dianthus
Garden plant · BeddingTHE FOLIAGE IS THE GIVEAWAY BEFORE IT FLOWERS — narrow, stiff and blue-grey, in a low mat. It wants sharp drainage and lime; in rich damp soil it rots at the neck over winter.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 9 daysSoak, then bone-dry — wait until the soil is dry right through — lift the pot, it tells you.
- Light
- Full sun
- Feed
- Every 35 days
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a very cold winter RHS H6, to -20°C
- Size
- 0.3 m tall · 0.35 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- The Mediterranean
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats, horses. Signs: mild stomach upset and skin irritation in dogs and cats.
PeopleIrritates skin
The sap, and the whole plant if eaten.
HandlingTake care handling it
The sap causes contact dermatitis in some people who cut a lot of it. RHS category C, skin allergen.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-22.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.